JP3764072B2 - Method for detecting locked state of document reading device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a document reading device mounted on a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a combination machine combining these, or a document reading device used alone and a lock state detection method of the document reading device. The present invention relates to a lock unit that prevents movement of an optical unit that is movable in a reading apparatus, and a device that detects a lock state by the lock unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In general, as a document reading device mounted on a copying machine, a facsimile, a printer, or a combination machine combining these, or a document reading device used alone, an image of a document placed on a document table is converted into a light beam. One having a movable optical unit that scans and reads while being exposed by emission is widely known.
[0003]
Such an optical unit includes a light source unit that irradiates the original image with a light beam while moving in the scanning direction and receives the reflected reflected light, and the reflected light while moving at a predetermined speed with respect to the light source unit. And a mirror unit that leads to an optical system on the downstream side of the optical path. In addition, the optical unit is manufactured so as to reduce the moving load because it is a movable part, although the placement accuracy of the components such as the light source unit and the mirror unit is high.
[0004]
Therefore, in order to protect the optical unit, it is necessary to lock the optical unit so that it does not move within the casing of the main body of the document reading device when the document reading device is manufactured and transported to the installation site on the user side. It has been broken.
[0005]
Specifically, the internal mirror unit of the optical unit is locked to the exterior base plate using screws from the outside of the casing exterior base plate of the document reading apparatus main body. In this case, since the mirror unit is connected to the light source unit, the entire optical unit is locked so as not to move by locking the mirror unit.
[0006]
As another locking method, a fixing jig is attached with a screw from the outside of the exterior base plate, and the mirror unit is locked to the exterior base plate. In some cases, a dust-proof mylar is further secured with screws on the outside of the fixing jig as required.
[0007]
As described above, in any of the locking methods, after the document reading device is installed on the user side, the optical unit is unlocked by removing a screw or a fixing jig, and the document reading device can be used.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, with recent progress in downsizing of apparatuses, there are few apparatuses that do not move once installed such as a console type image forming apparatus, and the document reader frequently moves frequently after installation. It will be a thing.
[0009]
In that case, when the user moves the document reading apparatus, it is necessary to consider changes in component placement accuracy due to vibration of the optical unit, damage to the optical unit, and the like.
[0010]
However, the above-described conventional locking method does not take into account locking of the optical unit when the user moves the document reading apparatus, and is limited to the period until the optical unit is locked on the user side. Therefore, if the optical unit is locked on the user side when the document reader is moved after installation, the following problems arise due to the user's inexperience.
[0011]
That is, when the document reader is moved and installed with the optical unit locked on the user side after installation of the document reader, the user may forget to unlock the optical unit. When the apparatus is activated, that is, when reading of the original image by the optical unit is started, the driving force of the motor that moves the optical unit in the scanning direction is transmitted to the optical unit even though the optical unit is locked, and the optical unit It will be damaged.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to enable the user to easily check the release of the locked state of the optical unit, thereby reliably preventing damage to the optical unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a document reading device and a method of detecting a lock state of the document reading device.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, as a method for detecting a lock state of a document reading device, an optical unit that scans and reads an image of a document placed on a document table while being exposed by emission of a light beam; The optical unit is locked at a predetermined position in the housing when the document reading apparatus main body is moved, and locking means is provided for projecting into the light beam emission region of the optical unit when the optical unit is in the locked state. Then, after the original reading apparatus main body is moved to a predetermined position and installed, the optical unit emits a light beam before reading the original image by the optical unit, and depending on whether the locking means protrudes into the emission area, the optical unit The presence or absence of the lock state is detected.
[0014]
Due to this specific matter, when the optical unit is locked, the locking means protrudes into the light beam emission area of the optical unit, so that the locking means shields the light beam emitted from the optical unit before reading the document image. It is detected that the optical unit is locked. On the other hand, when the optical unit is unlocked, the lock unit is retracted from the light beam emission area of the optical unit, so that the lock unit does not block the light beam emitted from the optical unit before reading the document image. It is detected that the optical unit is unlocked. As a result, the driving force of the motor is not transmitted to the optical unit while the optical unit is locked, and it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the optical unit.
[0015]
Here, the optical unit is provided with a light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the emitted light beam, and the locking means protrudes in the light beam emission region detected by the light detection means to determine whether the optical unit is locked or not. In the case of detecting based on the light amount distribution depending on the presence or absence, a CCD or the like is used as the light detection means, so that the light beam detected by the light detection means when the lock means protrudes into the light beam emission region. Since the light quantity distribution in the emission area and the light quantity distribution in the light beam emission area detected by the light detection means when the locking means is retracted from the light beam emission area are different from each other, based on the respective light quantity distributions It becomes possible to easily detect whether or not the optical unit is locked.
[0016]
On the other hand, the optical unit is provided with light detection means for detecting a decrease in the amount of the emitted light beam, and the light means is locked to the light beam emission area detected by the light detection means. In the case where detection is performed based on a decrease in the amount of light due to protrusion of the light, a CCD or the like is used as the light detection means, and light detected by the light detection means when the lock means protrudes into the light beam emission region. Since the amount of light in the beam emission area is reduced, it is possible to easily detect whether the optical unit is locked based on the reduction in the amount of light.
[0017]
Further, according to the present invention, an optical unit that scans and reads an image of a document placed on a document table while being exposed by emission of a light beam, and the optical unit is placed at a predetermined position in the apparatus housing when the document reader main body is moved. A locking unit that locks the unit and protrudes to a reflection light image emission region of the optical unit when the optical unit is in the locked state, and moves the document reading apparatus main body to a predetermined position and then sets the optical unit. Before the original image is read by the unit, the reflected light image is read from the optical unit, and the presence or absence of the locking state of the optical unit is detected by the presence or absence of the locking means protruding into the emission area.
[0018]
With this specific matter, it is possible to detect whether the optical unit is locked or not with a simple configuration.
[0019]
In particular, the following configurations are listed as specific examples of the locking means.
[0020]
That is, the optical unit is provided with a light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the reflected light image, and the presence or absence of the locking means is projected in the exit area of the reflected light image detected by the light detection means. Detection is performed based on the light quantity distribution by.
[0021]
With this specific matter, it is possible to detect the locked state or unlocked state of the optical unit with a simple configuration.
[0022]
Further, the optical unit is provided with a light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the reflected light image, and the presence or absence of the locking means is projected in the emission area of the reflected light image detected by the light detection means. In the case where the detection is performed based on the light amount reduction due to the optical unit, it is possible to detect the locked state or the unlocked state of the optical unit with a simple configuration.
[0023]
Further, according to the present invention, as a method for detecting the lock state of the document reading device, an optical unit that scans an image of a document placed on a document table while being exposed by light beam emission, and when the document reading device main body is moved. The optical unit is locked at a predetermined position in the housing, and when the optical unit is in a locked state, locking means that protrudes into the light beam emission area of the optical unit and releasably engages with the locking means. An unlocking display member that displays the unlocked state by releasing from the locking means when the optical unit is unlocked by the locking means. After the document reading apparatus main body is moved to a predetermined position and installed, the original by the optical unit is provided. Before the image is read, the unlocking state is displayed by applying a force to the unlocking display member in the direction of releasing from the locking means. Both are configured to detect the presence or absence of the lock state of the optical unit by projecting the presence of the locking means into the injection region of the light beam is emitted from the optical unit.
[0024]
By this specific matter, before the original image is read by the optical unit, the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit is detected by applying a force to the unlocking display member in the direction of separating from the locking means (for example, the pulling direction). The presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit is detected by the withdrawal of the locking means in the emission region of the light beam emitted from the optical unit emitted before reading the document image. This makes it possible to double-check whether the optical unit is locked or not with a simple configuration and detection method, and prevents the motor driving force from being transmitted to the locked optical unit. It becomes possible to prevent damage to the optical unit more reliably.
[0025]
Here, the optical unit is provided with a light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the emitted light beam, and the locking means protrudes in the light beam emission region detected by the light detection means to determine whether the optical unit is locked or not. When the detection is based on the light quantity distribution depending on the presence or absence, by using a CCD or the like as the light detection means, the optical unit is locked based on the light quantity distribution due to the lock means moving in and out of the light beam emission area. It is possible to easily detect the presence or absence of the.
[0026]
On the other hand, the optical unit is provided with light detection means for detecting a decrease in the amount of the emitted light beam, and the light means is locked to the light beam emission area detected by the light detection means. In the case of detecting based on a decrease in the amount of light due to the protrusion of the optical unit, by using a CCD or the like as the light detection means, the optical unit of the optical unit is based on the decrease in the amount of light by the lock means when protruding into the light beam emission region. It is possible to easily detect the presence or absence of the locked state.
[0027]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0028]
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an overall configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral 1 including a document reading unit 5 as a document reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0029]
In FIG. 1, a digital multifunction machine 1 has functions of a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer. A document table 11 made of transparent glass is provided on the upper surface of the digital multifunction peripheral 1. A document is set on the document table 11. In this case, an OC (original cover) mat (not shown) is provided on the document table 11 in contact with the glass surface.
[0030]
Below the document table 11 is a document reading unit 2 in which a scanner 21 as a document reading device is disposed. The scanner 21 scans and reads an image of a document placed on the document table 11, and photoelectrically converts a lamp reflector assembly 22 that exposes the document surface and a reflected light image (light beam) from the document. A first scanning unit 24 (optical unit) as a light source unit including a first reflection mirror 24a for guiding to the CCD 23 as an element, and a reflected light image from the first reflection mirror 24a are guided to the CCD 23. A second scanning unit 25 (optical unit) as a mirror unit on which the second and third reflecting mirrors 25a and 25b are mounted, and the reflecting mirrors 24a, 25a, An optical lens 26 for forming an image on the CCD 23 for conversion to an electrical image signal via the 25b, and a reflected light image from the original to an electrical image signal And a CCD23 you. The first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are connected to each other so as to reciprocate in the scanning direction (left-right direction in the figure) by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown) on the lower surface of the document table 11. Then, the image of the document placed on the upper surface of the document table 11 is exposed and scanned by the laser light emitted from the lamp reflector assembly 22. In this case, the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 return to the home position (position shown in FIG. 1) and wait when the image of the document on the document table 11 is exposed and scanned. Even when a main power switch (not shown) for operating the machine 1 is turned off, it is positioned at the home position.
[0031]
The scanner 21 reads an image of the document on the document table 11 at a predetermined exposure position. The document image read by the scanner 21 is sent as image data to an image data input unit (not shown), and after predetermined image processing is performed on the image data, it is temporarily stored in the image memory of the image processing unit. In response to the output instruction, an image in the image memory is read out and transferred to a laser writing unit (hereinafter referred to as LSU) 31.
[0032]
The LSU 31 is a semiconductor laser light source that emits laser light in accordance with image data read from the image memory or image data transferred from an external device, a Bolgon mirror that deflects the laser light at an equal angular velocity, and a laser that is deflected at an equal angular velocity. An f-θ lens that corrects the light so as to be deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 32 constituting the image forming unit 3 is provided.
[0033]
The image forming unit 3 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 30 and the charger 32 that charges the photosensitive drum 32 to a predetermined potential around the known photosensitive drum 30. A developing device 33 that visualizes the image, a transfer device 34 that transfers a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 to a sheet (not shown), a cleaning device 35 that collects excess toner, and a static eliminator 36. I have.
[0034]
In addition, a paper feed cassette 41 for storing sheets is mounted at the lowermost part of the housing of the scanner main body 10 serving as a document reading apparatus main body. Further, a paper conveyance path from the paper feed cassette 41 to the paper discharge tray 42 via the image forming unit 3 (transfer device 34, fixing device 44, etc.) is formed in the housing of the scanner body 10. A half-moon-shaped paper feed roller 41a, a pair of transport rollers 43a and 43a, fixing rollers 44a and 44a, and paper discharge rollers 42a and 42a are disposed in the paper transport path. Further, a paper transport path is formed in the housing of the scanner body 10 to join the manual feed tray 45 mounted immediately above the paper feed cassette 41 on the upstream side in the transport direction of the registration rollers 43a. A half-moon-shaped sheet feeding roller 41 a that feeds a sheet from the manual feed tray 45 to each sheet conveying roller 43 a is disposed in the conveyance path. In this case, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 30 and the sheet are aligned based on a pre-registration detection switch (not shown) and a signal from the pre-registration detection switch on the downstream side of each conveyance roller 43a in the sheet conveyance direction. A pair of registration rollers is provided.
[0035]
When an image is formed on a sheet, after the charger 32 uniformly applies a single polarity charge to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 rotating in the direction of the arrow, the LSU 31 receives image data from the image memory. Alternatively, image light modulated based on image data from an external device is irradiated to create an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 by photoconductive action. The developing device 33 supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 to visualize the electrostatic latent image into a toner image. Further, prior to the rotation of the photosensitive drum 30, sheets from the sheet feeding cassette 41 or the manual feed tray 45 are fed one by one into the sheet conveying path by the rotation of the sheet feeding roller 41a or 45a, and the front end in the conveying direction. Is stopped in contact with the registration roller pair.
[0036]
The registration roller pair starts to rotate between the photosensitive drum 30 and the transfer device 34 at a timing when the front end portion in the sheet conveyance direction faces the upstream end in the rotation direction of the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30. Guide to the image forming unit 3.
[0037]
The transfer unit 34 transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 30 to the surface of the sheet. Waste toner (residual toner image) remaining on the photosensitive drum 30 without being completely transferred to the sheet is removed by the cleaning device 35. Removed by. The sheet onto which the toner image has been transferred is heated and pressurized while passing through the fixing rollers 44a and 44a to melt the toner image and fix it on the surface of the sheet. The sheet having the toner image fixed on the surface in this way is discharged to the paper discharge tray 42 by the rotation of the paper discharge rollers 42a and 42a, and a printed matter (sheet) having an image formed on the surface is provided. In this case, a detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the sheet has passed through the fixing device 44 is provided in the paper conveyance path between each fixing roller 44a and each paper discharge roller 42a, and the sheet is each paper discharge roller 42a. A paper discharge detection switch (not shown) for detecting that the vehicle has reached before is disposed.
[0038]
As a characteristic part of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the third reflecting mirror 25b of the second scanning unit 25 located at the home position is immediately before the optical lens 26 side in the scanning direction. Is provided with a locking means 5 for locking the scanner 21 (the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25) to a home position (predetermined position). The locking means 5 is provided with a lever member 51 slidable inward and outward (left and right in FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the housing of the scanner main body 10, and projecting upward at the tip of the lever member 51. The protruding end protrudes into the exit area B of the reflected light image reflected by the third reflecting mirror 25b of the second scanning unit 25 located at the position (area surrounded by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4A). A locking portion 52 that protrudes to the position shown in FIG. 2 and locks the third reflecting mirror 25b so as not to move in the scanning direction is provided. Thus, by locking the third reflecting mirror 25b by the locking portion 52, the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are locked so as not to move in the scanning direction at the home position. It will be. On the other hand, by sliding the lever member 51 outward (rightward in FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the housing of the scanner body 10, the protruding end, that is, the locking portion 52 emits the reflected light image from the document. Moving from the region B to the retracted position (position shown in FIG. 3), the locking of the third reflecting mirror 25b by the locking portion 52 is released, and the homes of the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are released. Enables movement in the scanning direction from the position. In this case, the lever member 51 is formed in a polygonal cross section and is supported so as not to rotate about the axis with respect to the housing of the scanner body 10.
[0039]
Further, the CCD 23 serves as a light detection unit that reads and reads a reflected light image (light beam) from the document via the reflecting mirrors 24a, 25a, 25b and the optical lens 26, and detects the light amount distribution and the light amount reduction. It has a function. The reflected light image detected by the CCD 23 has a long rectangular shape as shown in FIG. The light amount data of the reflected light image detected by the CCD 23 is input to the control unit 28 and is the same as the reference light amount data in the emission area B of the reflected light image stored in the control unit 28. It is determined whether or not there is. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 protrudes into the reflected light image emission region B, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in a locked state. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 4B, the amount of light of the reflected light image is blocked by the light at the point P in the longitudinal direction position of the reflected light image corresponding to the locking portion 52 protruding into the emission region B of the reflected light image. Since it decreases, it is determined that it is not the same as the reference light amount data of the emission area B of the reflected light image of the control unit 28. On the other hand, when the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 is retracted from the reflected light image emission region B and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the unlocked state, the state shown in FIG. As indicated by the broken line, the amount of light of the reflected light image does not decrease at the point P in the longitudinal direction position of the reflected light image, so that it is determined to be the same as the reference light amount data of the exit area B of the reflected light image of the control unit 28. The
[0040]
Here, an example of a detection method of the lock state of the lock means 5 that makes the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 immovable in the scanning direction from the home position will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.
[0041]
In this case, when the user moves the digital multi-function peripheral 1 after being installed on the user side, before the user moves the digital multi-function peripheral 1, as shown in FIG. By protruding the locking portion 52 into the reflected light image emission region B, the third reflection mirror 25b at the home position is locked so as not to move in the scanning direction, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 24 are locked. The scanning unit 25 is kept in a locked state, and then the digital multifunction device 1 is moved to a position desired by the user, and the locked state of the lock means 5 is detected before the digital multifunction device 1 is operated at this moving position. To do.
[0042]
First, in step S1 of the flowchart of FIG. 5, the main power switch for operating the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is turned on. In step S2, a light beam is emitted from the lamp reflector assembly 22 of the scanner 21 and reflected by the OC mat. The reflected light image is taken into the CCD 23 through the reflecting mirrors 24a, 25a, 25b and the optical lens 26 and read, and then input to the control unit 28 as light quantity data of the reflected light image. In this case, the light beam emitted from the lamp reflector assembly 22 of the scanner 21 is for detecting the lock state of the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 24 are detected. The scanning unit 25 is ejected before reading a document image in a locked state.
[0043]
Next, in step S <b> 3, whether or not the light amount data of the reflected light image input to the control unit 28 is the same as the reference light amount data in the emission region B of the reflected light image stored in the control unit 28. judge. When the determination in step S3 is NO in which the light amount data of the reflected light image input to the control unit 28 is determined not to be the same as the reference light amount data of the emission region B of the reflected light image of the control unit 28. As shown in FIG. 4B, the amount of light of the reflected light image is blocked by the light at the point P in the longitudinal direction position of the reflected light image corresponding to the locking portion 52 protruding into the emission region B of the reflected light image. Therefore, it is determined that the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the locked state by the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 projecting into the reflected light image emission region B. In step S4, a message prompting the lock unit 5 to release the lock is displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and the process returns to step S2. In this case, the lock release message may have any content. In short, the lever member 51 is moved to the retracted position from the reflected light image emission region B to move the locking member 52 to the scanner main body 10. It is sufficient for the user to know the content of the sliding movement to the outside (rightward in FIG. 3) with respect to the housing.
[0044]
On the other hand, when the determination in step S3 is YES when the light amount data of the reflected light image input to the control unit 28 is the same as the reference light amount data of the emission area B of the reflected light image of the control unit 28, FIG. 4 (b), the light quantity of the reflected light image is reduced at the point P at the position in the longitudinal direction of the reflected light image corresponding to the locking portion 52 protruding into the output region B of the reflected light image. Therefore, it is determined that the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 is retracted from the reflected light image emission region B and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the unlocked state, and step S5 is performed. Proceed to
[0045]
Then, in step S5, the drive motor of the scanner 21 is driven (ON), and in step S6, the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are detected with an accurate position detected by a position sensor or the like (not shown). After alignment, the drive motor is stopped (OFF).
[0046]
Thereafter, in step S7, it is determined whether or not the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are accurately aligned, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are accurately positioned. After waiting until they are aligned, in step S8, a light beam is emitted from the lamp reflector assembly 22, and initial correction of the scanner 21 is performed. As the initial correction, there are a reference value correction, a shading correction, a reading range correction, a γ correction and the like of the CCD 23.
[0047]
Then, in step S9, the scanner 21 (the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25) is set in a standby state in which a document can be read.
[0048]
As described above, in this embodiment, when the scanner 21 is locked, the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 of the locking unit 5 protrudes to the reflected light image emission region B, and is thus emitted before reading the document image. The amount of light of the reflected light image from the lamp reflector assembly 22 is taken in and read by the CCD 23 while being reduced by being blocked by the locking portion 52, and the light amount data of the read reflected light image is the reference light amount data of the control unit 28. It is determined that the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the locked state. On the other hand, when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are unlocked, the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 is retracted from the reflected light image emission region B, and thus is emitted before reading the document image. The amount of light of the reflected light image from the lamp reflector assembly 22 is taken in and read by the CCD 23 without being blocked, and the light amount data of the read reflected light image is the same as the reference light amount data of the control unit 28. It is determined that the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the unlocked state. Thereby, the driving force of the drive motor is not transmitted to the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 in a state where the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are locked. Damage to the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 can be reliably prevented.
[0049]
Moreover, the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are locked by detecting the distribution and decrease of the light amount of the reflected light image from the lamp reflector assembly 22 emitted before reading the original image by the CCD 23. Alternatively, it is possible to easily detect the unlocked state, which is very advantageous for implementation.
[0050]
<Second Embodiment>
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0051]
In the second embodiment, detection of the locked state or the unlocked state by the locking means can be determined by a mechanical configuration. The rest of the configuration except for the locking means is the same as in the first embodiment, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0052]
That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the lock unit 6 that locks the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 to the home position in the housing when the scanner body 10 is moved, An unlocking display that is detachably provided with respect to the locking unit 6 and that is released from the locking unit 6 and displays the unlocked state when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are unlocked by the locking unit 6. And a member 7.
[0053]
The unlock display member 7 is made of a thin plate that can be bent, and is supported so as to be slidable inward and outward with respect to the housing of the scanner body 10. A substantially elliptical opening 71 having a long diameter in the vertical direction is formed at the tip of the unlock display member 7 (the inner end of the housing of the scanner body 10). The base end of the unlock display member 7 protrudes outside the housing of the scanner body 10.
[0054]
The lock means 6 is a lever member 61 having a substantially circular cross section that is rotatably supported with respect to the housing of the scanner main body 10, and protrudes radially outward from an intermediate position of the lever member 61, so that the home position is reached. The protruding end protrudes into the exit area B of the reflected light image reflected by the third reflecting mirror 25b of the second scanning unit 25 that is positioned, and the third reflecting mirror 25b is locked so as not to move in the scanning direction. As an engaging portion that is provided at the engaging portion 62 and the tip of the lever member 61 (inner end of the housing of the scanner main body 10) and is detachably engaged with the opening hole 71 at the tip of the unlocking display member 7. The engagement piece 63 is provided. The base end of the lever member 61 of the locking means 6 protrudes outward from the housing of the scanner main body 10, and is held and rotated by hand to cause the locking portion 62 to be the reflected light image emission region B. The first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 that are projected in the locked state, and the locking portion 62 are retracted from the emission region B of the reflected light image, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are It is designed to convert to the unlocked state.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 9, the engagement piece 63 is attached with a substantially disk-shaped substrate 64 provided at the tip of the lever member 61 interposed therebetween. The diameter of the substrate 64 is larger than the major diameter of the opening hole 71 at the tip of the unlocking display member 7. The engaging piece 63 is connected to the substrate 64 via the connecting portion 63a and protrudes in the direction opposite to the substrate. The connecting portion 63 a is provided on one side in the radial direction from the center of the substrate 64 (the protruding direction of the locking portion 62). In addition, the engagement piece 63 is unlocked between the other side in the radial direction from the center of the substrate 64 (the anti-projection direction of the engagement portion 62) and the corresponding portion of the engagement piece 63 corresponding thereto. A notch portion 63b is provided that is notched so as to sandwich the tip of the unlocking display member 7 while being inserted through the opening hole 71 at the tip of the display member 7. Further, the protruding side surface of the engagement piece 63 is formed as an inclined surface in which the distance from the substrate 64 gradually increases as the one end in the radial direction and the other end in the radial direction of the substrate 64 go to the center. In this case, the connecting portion 63a (notch portion 63b) of the engagement piece 63 has a length between the substrate 64 and the engagement piece 63 shorter than the long diameter of the opening hole 71 at the tip of the unlocking display member 7, And it is set to be sufficiently longer than the minor axis.
[0056]
As shown in FIG. 7, the engagement piece 63 is inserted into the opening hole 71 of the unlock display member 7 when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are locked, and the unlock display member. 7 is engaged so as not to be disengaged. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the unlocked state, the tip of the unlock display member 7 (tip from the opening hole 71). The lock release display member 7 is pulled in the pulling direction (left direction in FIG. 6) and the engagement is released.
[0057]
Thus, in this embodiment, when the scanner 21 is locked, even if the unlocking display member 7 is pulled in the pulling direction by the engagement of the engagement piece 63 inserted into the opening hole 71 of the unlocking display member 7. The engagement of the engagement piece 63 is not released, and the lock release display member 7 cannot be detached from the lock means 6. On the other hand, when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are unlocked, the engagement of the unlocking display member 7 by the engagement piece 63 inserted into the opening hole 71 of the unlocking display member 7 is locked. Since the tip of the release display member 7 is deformed, the engagement of the engagement piece 63 is released by pulling the lock release display member 7 in the pulling direction, and the lock release display member 7 can be detached from the lock means 6. It becomes. Thus, the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 can be locked with a simple configuration in which the engagement piece 63 of the lock means 6 is detachably locked to the opening hole 71 of the unlock display member 7. The state or the unlocked state can be detected. In addition, the lever member 61 of the lock means 6 is converted into the locked state or unlocked state of the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 by a simple operation of rotating with respect to the housing of the scanner body 10. In addition, the lock release display member 7 can be converted into the engaged state and the disengaged state by the engagement piece 63.
[0058]
In addition, when the scanner 21 is locked, the engaging portion 52 of the lever member 51 of the locking means 5 protrudes into the reflected light image emission region B, so that the lamp reflector assembly 22 is ejected before reading the original image. Based on the difference between the light amount data of the reflected light image and the reference light amount data of the control unit 28, it is detected that the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the locked state. On the other hand, when the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are unlocked, the locking portion 52 of the lever member 51 is retracted from the reflected light image emission region B, so that it is emitted before reading the original image. The light amount data of the reflected light image from the lamp reflector assembly 22 is determined to be the same as the reference light amount data of the control unit 28, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are in the unlocked state. Is detected.
[0059]
Thus, the detection of the locked state or the unlocked state of the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 can be double checked with a simple configuration and detection method. The driving force of the drive motor is prevented from being transmitted to the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 in a state where the second scanning unit 25 is locked, and the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 are prevented. Damage to the second scanning unit 25 can be prevented more reliably.
[0060]
<Other embodiments>
In each of the above embodiments, the reflected light image from the document via the reflecting mirrors 24a, 25a, 25b and the optical lens 26 is read into the CCD 23, and the light amount distribution and the decrease in the light amount are detected. Either one of the light amount distribution of the read reflected light image and the decrease of the light amount may be detected by the CCD.
[0061]
In the second embodiment, the engagement piece 63 of the lock means 6 is detachably locked to the opening 71 of the unlock display member 7 and the lamp is emitted before reading the document image. Although the presence or absence of the locked state of the first scanning unit 24 and the second scanning unit 25 is double-checked and detected based on the light amount data of the reflected light image from the reflector assembly 22, the lock release display The presence or absence of the locked state of the first scanning unit and the second scanning unit may be detected only by a configuration in which the engaging piece of the locking means is removably locked with respect to the opening hole of the member.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, as a method for detecting the lock state of the document reading device, when the optical unit is locked, the light beam emitted before reading the document image is shielded by the locking means protruding into the emission region, thereby locking the optical unit. On the other hand, when the optical unit is unlocked, the unlocking state of the optical unit is detected by retracting the locking means from the emission area of the light beam emitted before reading the original image, and the optical unit is in the locked state. Transmission of motor driving force to the optical unit can be prevented, and damage to the optical unit can be reliably prevented.
[0063]
Here, by detecting the presence or absence of the locking state of the optical unit based on the light quantity distribution based on the presence or absence of the locking means protruding in the light beam emission area, the light quantity distribution varies depending on the presence or absence of the locking means in the light beam emission area. The presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit can be easily detected.
[0064]
On the other hand, by detecting the presence or absence of the locking state of the optical unit based on the decrease in the amount of light due to the protrusion of the locking means in the light beam emission area, the amount of light that varies depending on the presence or absence of the locking means in the light beam emission area is reduced. Based on this, the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit can be easily detected.
[0065]
Further, after the original reading apparatus main body is moved to a predetermined position and before the original image is read by the optical unit, the reflected light image is read from the optical unit, and the optical unit is determined depending on whether or not the locking means protrudes into the emission area. By detecting the presence or absence of the locked state, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit with a simple configuration.
[0066]
In particular, the optical unit can be locked with a simple configuration by detecting whether or not the optical unit is in a locked state based on the light quantity distribution based on the presence or absence of the locking means protruding in the exit area of the reflected light image detected by the light detecting means. The state or the unlocked state can be detected.
[0067]
In addition, the optical unit can be locked with a simple configuration by detecting whether the optical unit is in a locked state based on the light amount decrease due to the presence or absence of the locking unit protruding in the exit area of the reflected light image detected by the light detecting unit. The state or the unlocked state can be detected.
[0068]
Further, as a method for detecting the lock state of the document reading apparatus, a simple configuration in which the unlocking display member is engaged with and disengaged from the lock unit, and detection of whether or not the optical unit is locked by the withdrawal of the lock unit in the light beam emission region. Depending on the method, it is possible to double-check whether the optical unit is in a locked state, prevent transmission of the motor driving force to the optical unit in the locked state, and more reliably prevent damage to the optical unit. be able to.
[0069]
Here, by detecting the presence or absence of the locking state of the optical unit based on the light quantity distribution based on the presence or absence of the locking means protruding in the light beam emission area, the light quantity distribution varies depending on the presence or absence of the locking means in the light beam emission area. The presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit can be easily detected.
[0070]
On the other hand, by detecting the presence or absence of the locking state of the optical unit based on the decrease in the amount of light due to the protrusion of the locking means in the light beam emission area, the amount of light that varies depending on the presence or absence of the locking means in the light beam emission area is reduced. Based on this, the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit can be easily detected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral including a scanner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the third reflecting mirror by the locking means as seen from the direction of arrow X in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the third reflecting mirror is unlocked by the locking means as seen from the direction of arrow X in FIG. 1; FIG.
4A is a view showing a locked state of the third reflecting mirror by the locking means viewed from the direction opposite to the arrow X in FIG. 1; FIG. (B) is a figure which shows the light quantity distribution of the reflected light image read by CCD in the locked state of the 3rd reflective mirror by a locking means similarly.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a scanner lock state detection method.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of a digital multi-function peripheral including a scanner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an engagement state of the lock release display member with the locking means when the third reflecting mirror is locked.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an unlocked state of the unlock display member with respect to the locking means when the third reflecting mirror is unlocked.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the vicinity of the engagement piece at the tip of the lever member.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Scanner body (original reading device body)
11 Document platen
2 Scanner (original reading device)
23 CCD (light detection means)
24 1st scanning unit (light source unit, optical unit)
25 Second scanning unit 25 (mirror unit, optical unit)
5,6 Locking means
63 Engagement piece (engagement part)
7 Unlocking display member
71 Opening hole
B Reflected light image emission area (light beam emission area)

Claims (9)

An optical unit that scans and reads an image of a document placed on a document table while being exposed by the emission of a light beam;
A lock means for locking the optical unit at a predetermined position in the housing when the document reading apparatus main body is moved, and projecting into a light beam emission region of the optical unit when the optical unit is in a locked state;
After the main body of the original reading apparatus is moved to a predetermined position, the optical unit emits a light beam before reading the original image by the optical unit, and the optical unit is locked depending on whether the locking means protrudes into the emission area. A method for detecting a lock state of an original reading apparatus, wherein presence or absence of a state is detected. In the document reading device lock state detecting method according to claim 1,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the emitted light beam,
Whether or not the optical unit is locked is detected based on a light quantity distribution based on the presence or absence of protrusion of the locking means in the light beam emission area detected by the light detecting means. State detection method. In the document reading device lock state detecting method according to claim 1,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting a decrease in the amount of light of the emitted light beam,
Whether or not the optical unit is in a locked state is detected based on a decrease in the amount of light caused by the protrusion of the locking means to the light beam emission area detected by the light detecting means. Detection method. An optical unit for reading an image of a document placed on the platen is scanned with dew light,
Locking means that locks the optical unit at a predetermined position in the apparatus housing when the document reading apparatus main body is moved , and protrudes into an emission area of the reflected light image of the optical unit when the optical unit is in a locked state;
After the main body of the original reading apparatus is moved to a predetermined position and before the original image is read by the optical unit, the reflected light image is read from the optical unit. A method for detecting a lock state of a document reading apparatus, wherein the presence or absence of a lock state is detected. In the document reading device lock state detecting method according to claim 4,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting the light quantity distribution of the reflected light image,
The document reading apparatus characterized in that the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit is detected based on a light amount distribution according to the presence or absence of protrusion of the locking means in the exit area of the reflected light image detected by the light detecting means. Lock state detection method. In the document reading device lock state detecting method according to claim 4,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting the light quantity distribution of the reflected light image,
The document reading apparatus characterized in that the presence or absence of the locked state of the optical unit is detected based on a light amount decrease due to the presence or absence of protrusion of the locking means in the exit area of the reflected light image detected by the light detecting means. Lock state detection method. An optical unit that scans and reads an image of a document placed on a document table while being exposed by the emission of a light beam;
Locking means for locking the optical unit at a predetermined position in the housing when the document reading apparatus main body is moved, and projecting into a light beam emitting region of the optical unit when the optical unit is in a locked state;
A lock release display member that is detachably engaged with the lock means, and that is disengaged from the lock means when the optical unit is unlocked by the lock means and displays the unlocked state.
After moving the document reader to the specified position,
Before the original image is read by the optical unit, a force is applied to the unlocking display member in a direction away from the lock unit to display the unlocked state, and the above described light beam emitted from the optical unit to the emission region is displayed. A method for detecting a lock state of an original reading apparatus, wherein the presence or absence of a lock state of an optical unit is detected based on the presence or absence of protrusion of a lock means. The document reading device lock state detection method according to claim 7,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting the light amount distribution of the emitted light beam,
Whether or not the optical unit is locked is detected based on a light quantity distribution based on the presence or absence of protrusion of the locking means in the light beam emission area detected by the light detecting means. State detection method. The document reading device lock state detection method according to claim 7,
The optical unit comprises light detection means for detecting a decrease in the amount of light of the emitted light beam,
Whether or not the optical unit is in a locked state is detected based on a decrease in the amount of light caused by the protrusion of the locking means to the light beam emission area detected by the light detecting means. Detection method.

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